San Diego State University reserves the right to select its students and deny admission to the university or any of its programs as the university, in its sole discretion, determines appropriately based on the applicant’s suitability and the best interests of the university.
Admission to San Diego State University is selective. SDSU has been granted impacted status by the California State University system in order to assure that the educational experience, including the availability of classes and the array of services provided, of each enrolled student is not compromised by over enrollment. To this end, admission criteria OVER AND ABOVE THOSE REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY are now in effect. Meeting CSU minimum admission criteria will not guarantee admission to San Diego State University.
Admission to San Diego State University for post-baccalaureate and graduate study is open to those applicants judged by the university to be fully qualified. The process is competitive and the requirements listed below are only the minimum required for admission to the university. Many programs have established additional requirements. Prospective applicants should refer to the departmental listings in this catalog. Students are also advised to contact the departmental offices as soon as graduate work is contemplated for advice as to how to proceed. Some departments stop reviewing applications earlier than others because space is limited.
Admission criteria listed in this catalog is for fall 2023. For the most up-to-date admission criteria, visit the SDSU Office of Admissions website at https://admissions.sdsu.edu. SDSU Imperial Valley students should visit the campus website at http://www.ivcampus.sdsu.edu.
Fall Semester: October 1 - November 30
Prospective students applying for part-time or full-time undergraduate programs of study must submit a completed undergraduate application. Requirements for admission to San Diego State University are in accordance with Title 5, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations. Complete information is available on the California State University website.
The $70 nonrefundable application fee is required upon submission and may not be transferred or used to apply to another term. The applications of persons denied admission to an impacted campus may be redirected to another campus at no cost, but only if the applicant is CSU eligible and not admitted to another CSU campus.
It is essential that the application be filled out completely and accurately. Misrepresenting oneself on the application will result in a revocation of admission regardless of when the misrepresentation is discovered.
On-time applicants may expect to receive an acknowledgment from the campuses to which they have applied within two to four weeks of filing the application. The notice may also include a request that applicants submit additional records necessary to evaluate academic qualifications. Applicants may be assured of admission if the evaluation of relevant qualifications indicates that applicants meet CSU admission requirements, and in the case of admission impaction, supplemental criteria for admission to an impacted program. Unless specific written approval/confirmation is received, an offer of admission is not transferable to another term or to another campus.
Each campus with impacted programs or class-level admission categories uses supplementary admission criteria in screening applicants. Supplementary criteria may include rank-ordering of freshman applicants based on A-G requirements, high school GPA, preparation towards indicated area of study, attending high schools within SDSU’s local admission area or rank-ordering of transfer applicants based on verification of the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science Transfer (AS-T) degrees, the overall transfer grade point average (GPA), completion of specified prerequisite courses, and a combination of campus-developed criteria.
The supplementary admission criteria used by individual campuses to screen applicants are made available by the campuses to all applicants seeking admission to an impacted program.
San Diego State University’s admissions process considers a comprehensive range of factors for each applicant. We seek to enroll students who are both academically qualified and demonstrate the potential to contribute to SDSU’s diverse community.
All first-time freshmen applicants must have graduated from high school, have earned a Certificate of General Education Development (GED), or have passed the California High School Proficiency Examination (CHSPE). Students will be admitted to the premajor (including undeclared) in which they applied. There will be a limited number of enrollment slots in each premajor.
Freshmen applicants will be ranked based on the following factors:
To meet minimum admission requirements, applicant must complete, typically with letter grades of C- or higher, a 15-unit comprehensive pattern of college preparatory courses known in California as A-G requirements. For fall admission, student must complete subject requirements by the spring term before enrolling at SDSU. Review A-G Courses.
San Diego State University requires that first-time freshman applicants complete, with grades of C- or better, a comprehensive pattern of college preparatory study totaling 15 units. A “unit” is one year of study in high school.
For fall admission, you must complete your subject requirements by the spring term before enrollment at SDSU.
We consider the breadth and depth of applicant’s academic record, and encourage students to challenge themselves by taking a rigorous curriculum including Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and/or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
Applicant must choose a major when they apply to SDSU. All majors are competitive, and every major has more applicants than available spots (the CSU calls this impaction). While we look at all of the college-prep coursework students have taken during high school, we also consider performance and the number of units taken in courses most relevant to predicted success in the intended academic discipline.
Special consideration is given to students who have overcome life obstacles, participated in college preparatory programs, and attend high schools within SDSU’s local admission area.
Note: In alignment with the California State University (CSU) system, SDSU no longer requires or considers SAT or ACT exam scores from first-year applicants for admissions purposes.
Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section.
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to complete college preparatory course requirements if at all possible. If you are judged unable to fulfill a specific course requirement because of your disability, alternate college preparatory courses may be substituted for specific subject requirements. Substitutions may be authorized on an individual basis after review and recommendation by your academic adviser or guidance counselor in consultation with the director of a CSU disabled student services program. You should be aware that failure to complete courses required for admission may limit your later enrollment in certain majors, particularly those involving mathematics. For further information and substitution forms, please call the director of disabled student services at your nearest CSU campus.
Graduates of secondary schools in foreign countries must be judged to have equivalent academic preparation and abilities equivalent to applicants eligible under this section. Please submit your high school transcript shortly after applying for admission.
All undergraduate applicants, regardless of citizenship, who do not have at least three years of full-time study in schools at the secondary level or above where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 80 or higher (using the Internet version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 58 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or score of 105 of higher on Duolingo English Test.
The university may offer early notification of admission to first-time freshman applicants who report an exceptional high school record and test scores.
All first-time freshman applicants who receive an offer of admissions are admitted provisionally. Offers of admission will be rescinded if senior year work is not completed at a satisfactory level or if any requirements were misrepresented on the application.
The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSU campuses to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in four years. All campuses have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.
Students who commit to enter either the four-year or two-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisers as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan, and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating campuses may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact campus offices or visit the California Promise Program website.
High school students may be considered for enrollment in certain special programs if recommended by the principal and the appropriate campus department chair and if preparation is equivalent to that required of eligible California high school graduates. Such admission is only for a specific course and does not constitute a right to continued enrollment.
Students who have completed 60 or more transferable semester college units (90 or more quarter units) are considered upper division transfer students. Students who complete college units during high school or through the summer immediately following high school graduation are considered first-time freshmen and must meet those admission requirements. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses. The CSU General Education- Breadth (GE-Breadth) program allows California community college transfer students to fulfill lower-division general education requirements for any CSU campus prior to transfer. Up to 39 of the 48 GE-Breadth units required can be transferred from and certified by a California college. “Certification” is the official notification from a California community college that a transfer student has completed courses fulfilling lower-division general education requirements. The CSU GE-Breadth certification course list for
particular community colleges can be accessed on the official transfer and articulation system for California’s public colleges and universities website, assist.org.
Students who have completed fewer than 60 transferable semester college units (fewer than 90 quarter units) are considered lower division transfer students. San Diego State University is not accepting applications from lower division transfer students. Due to increased enrollment demands, most CSU campuses do not admit lower division transfer applicants.
A student is considered an upper division transfer student if he/she has completed 60 or more semester units (or 90 or more quarter units) of transferable baccalaureate-level college work. In recent years, as the number of applicants has far exceeded the number of spaces available, it has become necessary to adopt admission standards which are more demanding than the minimum California State University (CSU) requirements. Per CSU Enrollment Policy, transfer admission priority is given to applicants whose previous coursework was completed at California community colleges.
All students who are admitted to SDSU are admitted to a premajor. To be eligible for admission to SDSU, transfer applicants should meet the following minimum CSU eligibility requirements and SDSU requirements.
* Students are in SDSU’s service area if 100% of their transferable credits have been completed at Cuyamaca, Grossmont, Imperial Valley, San Diego City, San Diego Mesa, San Diego Miramar, or Southwestern colleges by the end of the spring prior to fall admission (e.g. spring 2023 for fall 2023 admission).
The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degrees offered at the California Community College (CCC) are designed to provide a California community college student the optimum transfer preparation and a clear admission pathway to the CSU degree majors.
CCC students who earn an Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) are guaranteed admission with junior standing to a CSU and given priority admission over other transfer applicants when applying to a local CSU campus, or non-impacted CSU program. AA-T or AS-T admission applicants are given limited priority consideration based on their eligibility ranking to an impacted campus/program or to campuses/programs that have been deemed similar to the degree completed at the community college. Students who have completed an AA-T/AS-T in a program deemed similar to a CSU major are able to complete remaining requirements for graduation within 60 semester (90 quarter) units. It is the responsibility of the student who has earned an AA-T/AS-T to provide documentation of the degree to the CSU campus.
Transfer admission decisions are based on self-reported information. Admission is provisional pending verification of the self-reported information on the applicant’s Cal State Apply using the official transcript submitted to the Office of Admissions. Offers of admission will be rescinded if the GPA, completed courses, or course grades are lower than what is reported on the applications or if the student misses any admission deadlines.
Courses taken at a regionally accredited college or university and designated as appropriate for baccalaureate credit by that institution will be accepted by San Diego State University for credit toward transfer admission. San Diego State University reserves the right to determine the extent to which such credit satisfies the specific and elective requirements of degree programs.
Courses completed at regionally accredited institutions not offering the baccalaureate and at special-purpose baccalaureate-granting institutions are acceptable if specifically certified by the institution or by San Diego State University as similar in level and rigor to SDSU courses.
Courses completed at institutions without regional accreditation or taken at a regionally accredited institution as part of a professional program, i.e., medical, dental, legal, veterinary, optical, etc. are not normally accepted by San Diego State University. Such courses may be accepted on an individual basis if a review by the appropriate department determines comparability to a course in the San Diego State University curriculum.
As an alternative to regular admission criteria, an applicant who is 25 years of age or older may be considered for admission as an adult student if he or she meets all of the following conditions:
Applicants seeking admission as an adult student must submit a statement of no more than two pages describing the alternate preparation which the applicant feels has prepared him or her for successful university work. The statement should also describe the applicant’s educational goals and what preparation has been made to pursue these goals. Consideration for admission will be based upon a judgment as to whether the applicant is as likely to succeed as a regularly admitted freshman or transfer student and will include an assessment of basic skills in the English language and mathematical computation.
All undergraduate applicants, whose native language is not English, and who have not attended schools at the secondary level or above for at least three years of full-time study (only transferable courses count toward a student’s full-time status) where English is the principal language of instruction, must present a score of 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 80 or higher (using the Internet version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 58 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Some majors may require a higher score.
If admitted, official documents for international applicants must be on file no later than May 1 for fall admission.
Applicants not admissible under one of the above provisions should enroll in a community college or other appropriate institution.
San Diego State University also offers a special program designed to expand educational opportunity for capable persons who, for a variety of reasons, have not previously had the opportunity. For detailed information regarding admission to this program, refer to the section of this bulletin on the Educational Opportunity Program.
File Official Transcripts. You must file the following official transcripts with the Office of Admissions.
For a hard copy transcript to be official, it must bear the high school or college seal and remain in its original sealed envelope. All records or transcripts received by the university become the property of the university and will not be released nor will copies be made.
Deadlines:
First-Time Freshmen
Section 89030.7 of the California Education Code requires that the CSU establishes specific requirements for appeal procedures for a denial of admission. Each CSU campus must publish appeal procedures for applicants denied admission to the university. Detailed instructions regarding the appeals process are available at https://admissions.sdsu.edu/appeals.
All appeals must be received by SDSU within 30 days of date of the denied notification from the SDSU Office of Admissions. Students who were denied admission may only submit one appeal per admission term. To have an appeal reviewed, students must submit a complete packet which includes the following: admissions appeal request form, letter addressing the basis of the appeal, and supporting documentation. The appeal request must be mailed to:
University Admissions Appeals Committee
Office of Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7455
Appeal decisions will be provided within twelve weeks of submission of a complete appeal package. Applicants will be notified of their appeal decision by mail using the address on file in the SDSU Office of Admissions.
Students interested in readmission to SDSU should visit the website at https://admissions.sdsu.edu/ for the most up-to-date admission criteria. Criteria differ for students who left the university in good academic standing versus those who left on academic probation or who were academically disqualified. Students who have been disqualified twice from SDSU will not be considered for reinstatement. Students with prior SDSU enrollment through regular session, special session, Open University, or cross-enrollment must have a minimum SDSU GPA of 2.0 in all coursework, in addition to meeting all other transfer admission requirements.
San Diego State University offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study to international students whose academic preparation meets the standards for admission. International applicants include those who hold U.S. temporary visas as students, exchange visitors, or in other non-immigrant classifications. SDSU uses separate requirements in the admission of international students. Verification of English proficiency (see section on English Language Requirement for undergraduate applicants), financial resources, and academic performance are each important considerations for admission.
SDSU will begin accepting applications for admission from first-time freshmen and upper division transfer students (60 or more transferable semester units, or 90 or more transferable quarter units) and applicants seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing on October 1. SDSU is not accepting applications from lower division transfers (1-59 transferable units) or those seeking a second bachelor’s degree other than nursing.
APPLICATION DEADLINES: First-time freshmen international applicants must apply between October 1 and April 1. Transfer international applicants must apply between October 1 and November 30. All students applying to dance, music, nursing, or theatre arts (performance) must apply between October 1 and November 30.
Applicants who have attended both U.S. schools and schools outside the U.S. must submit the International Evaluation Service Report and have academic transcripts from all U.S. schools attended sent directly to the SDSU Office of Admissions.
See Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Admission Requirements.
Applicants whose major education has been in a language other than English must score 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 80 or higher (using the Internet version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 58 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or score of 105 or higher on Duolingo English Test. These tests are administered in most foreign countries. The university must receive official test scores before admission can be granted. Information as to the time and place at which these tests are given may be obtained by going to http://www.TOEFL.org, http://www.ielts.org, http://www.pearsonpte.com, or http://www.englishtest.duolingo.com.
Upon arrival at San Diego State University, additional tests of English may be given for the purpose of placing students in an English language program commensurate with their linguistic ability in English and to assist advisers in planning an appropriate course of study. Depending upon placement test results and academic background, students may be required to enroll in one or more English language courses during their first year. Foreign students admitted to the university will be subject to the same competency and placement examinations and standards that govern the rest of the student population.
Insurance Requirement: As a condition of receiving an I-20 or DS2019 form, all F-1 and J-1 visa, applicants must agree to obtain and maintain health insurance as a condition of registration and continued enrollment. Such insurance must be in amounts as specified by the United States Information Agency (USIA) and National Association of Foreign Student Advisers (NAFSA). The campus president or designee shall determine which insurance policies meet these criteria. Further information may be obtained from the International Student Center or go to http://www.sdsu.edu/isc/.
American Language Institute: If English instruction is needed prior to admission to SDSU, students may enroll in the American Language Institute (ALI). The ALI offers academic preparation in English language reading, writing, and listening skills necessary for university success.
Housing and Scholarship: Arrangements for housing should be completed well in advance of the student’s arrival on the campus. Detailed information regarding housing may be obtained from the Office of Housing Administration website at http://www.sdsu.edu/housing. Scholarship aid for entering international students is limited. All admitted international students will be required to provide evidence of funding for a minimum of one academic year.
Upon arrival at SDSU, the student should contact the International Student Center.
Admission to San Diego State University for graduate study is a competitive process and open to those applicants who the university judges to be fully qualified to benefit from graduate study. The requirements listed below are the minimum required for admission to the university. Many programs have established additional requirements. Potential applicants should refer to the departmental listings. Students in their final baccalaureate year who are contemplating graduate study are also advised to contact the departmental offices as soon as possible for information and advice. Some departments stop reviewing applications earlier than others because space is limited.
Graduate and post-baccalaureate students admitted into any admission category must matriculate during their term of admission. An offer of admission cannot be deferred to another term and failure to enroll will result in admission being revoked.
Applicants for any type of graduate or post-baccalaureate status (advanced degree applicants and those seeking credentials or advanced certificates), including those who graduated from San Diego State University, must submit the Cal State Apply application and $70 nonrefundable, nontransferable fee, within the appropriate filing period. All masters, doctoral, and credential students should consult the department or program listing in the specific department and/or program application instructions. In all cases, applicants should send recently issued official transcripts (printed within the last year) from all institutions attended and examination scores to Graduate Admissions only. Students are required to apply online. Online applications are available at http://www.calstate.edu/apply.
Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:
Applicants who do not qualify for admission under provisions (1) and (2) may be admitted by special action if the graduate dean determines that there is other academic or professional evidence sufficient to warrant such action.
Admission to the university is limited to the number of students for whom an adequate education can be provided by the staff and faculties available. San Diego State University may limit graduate enrollment on the basis of field and aptitude.
Faculty may register for courses in accordance with the College of Graduate Studies policies. Faculty holding the rank of instructor and above may be candidates for degrees on this campus. Faculty may not seek degrees or register for courses within their own departments, programs, or schools and retain faculty status in that unit.
The College of Graduate Studies is the only official admissions authority for graduate study at San Diego State University.
(These and other CSU admission requirements are subject to change as policies are revised and laws are amended. The CSU website and the admission portal are good sources for the most up-to-date information.)
Determination of the admissibility of students by special action shall be governed by the following guidelines when applicable. All applicants for admission by special action must submit at least two letters of recommendation from faculty of the institution that awarded the baccalaureate degree.
Applicants for any type of graduate or post-baccalaureate study at San Diego State University must (a) hold an acceptable baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or one approved by a department and/or ministry of education in the host country; or have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by the graduate dean; (b) have attained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0; (c ) have been in good standing at all universities attended; (d) have satisfied the English proficiency requirement. Applicants who do not qualify for admission under provisions (a) and (b) may be admitted by special action if the graduate dean determines that there is other academic or professional evidence sufficient to warrant such action.
Applicants who hold completed three-year degrees from a foreign university can be admitted to graduate programs with departmental approval if they meet the following conditions:
All students in this category will be admitted as conditionally classified students with appropriate conditions for being granted classified standing and a deadline by which the conditions must be met, that is no later than two semesters after entry to the program.
Applicants with three-year degrees in progress at the time of application are not eligible for graduate consideration.
Exams may be required for admission to individual graduate programs. Prospective applicants should reference admissions information from program web materials or from the program directly.
All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose native language is not English and whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English must demonstrate competence in English. Those who do not possess a bachelor’s degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 or higher (using the paper version) or 80 or higher (using the Internet version) on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students must obtain a score of 6.5 or better on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or 58 or higher on the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) or score of 105 or higher on the Duolingo English Test. Individual degree programs may require a higher minimum score.
Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants may apply for a degree objective, a credential or advanced certificate objective, or where approved, may have no program objective. Depending on the objective, the CSU will consider an application for admission as follows:
Exchange students (non-foreign), visitors from other CSU campuses, and other transitory students may be admitted for one semester as unclassified graduate students.
A student wishing to be admitted to a program leading to a credential only or to an advanced certificate only (not an advanced degree) must meet the criteria specified under General Admission Requirements. A student must also meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards prescribed by the appropriate department and the Graduate Council. The applicant should contact the department or school involved for information concerning specific admission requirements and should submit a departmental application during the appropriate filing period. Admission with post-baccalaureate standing (classified) does not constitute admission to, or assurance of consideration for admission to, advanced degree curricula.
A student wishing to be admitted to a program of study leading to an advanced degree must meet the criteria specified under General Admission Requirements and, in addition, must:
Students admitted with graduate standing (classified) are admitted to authorized advanced degree curricula and may enroll in 600‑, 700‑, and 900-numbered courses.
A student wishing to be admitted to a program of study leading to an advanced degree who meets the criteria specified under General Admission Requirements but who has deficiencies in the criteria for classified graduate standing may be granted conditionally classified graduate standing, if the deficiencies can be met by specific additional preparation, including qualifying examinations. Students who have not completed the English proficiency requirement will not be eligible for conditional admission. Not more than 15 semester units may be assigned to satisfy undergraduate deficiencies in the major and normally all course conditions must be met within one year (three academic terms: fall, spring, summer) from the time of initial enrollment. Students admitted with conditionally classified graduate standing are admitted to authorized advanced degree curricula and may enroll in 600- and 700-numbered courses. Once the conditions established by the department, school, or college have been met, the student should request that the program graduate adviser file a change of status form with the College of Graduate Studies.
A student wishing to be admitted to a program of study leading to a credential in professional education or an advanced certificate program who meets the criteria specified under General Admission Requirements but who has deficiencies for classified post-baccalaureate standing to the department’s credential or certificate program may be granted conditionally classified post-baccalaureate standing, if the deficiencies can be met by specific additional preparation, including qualifying examinations. No more than 18 semester units may be assigned to satisfy deficiencies in prerequisite education and subject matter competency coursework and all coursework must be met within one year (three academic terms: fall, spring, summer) from the time of initial enrollment unless written documentation of specific subject matter deficiency can be provided by the designated campus adviser. Once the conditions established by the department, school, or college have been met, the student should confirm that a change of status has been updated through the sponsoring departmental office for cross-campus records.
The applicant must arrange to have one set of recently issued (printed within the last year) official transcripts from EACH college or university attended, sent to Graduate Admissions. Transcripts should only be requested to be sent AFTER the CSU application has been submitted online. Transcripts requested should include all extension, correspondence, summer session, study abroad, or evening courses.
A transcript will be considered official and accepted to meet the regulations governing admission only if forwarded directly by the institution attended or sent to the student in a sealed and signed envelope. All records or transcripts received by the university become the property of the university and will not be released nor will copies be made.
Timely filing of official transcripts is essential. Failure to furnish such records will delay or preclude consideration for admission to post-baccalaureate and graduate study at the university.
Students pending graduation must submit an official final transcript verifying the completion of an undergraduate degree prior to enrollment. Students who fail to submit their final degree transcript will not be eligible to register the following semester. Students who are restricted from registering will be required to reapply for admission. Foreign and domestic students from foreign universities whose undergraduate degrees have not been verified on an official transcript may submit an official letter of completion from the foreign university.
Students currently enrolled at the university with graduate or post-baccalaureate standing who wish to request acceptance into another type of graduate degree or post-baccalaureate status (advanced degree applicants and those seeking credentials or advance certificates) must file an electronic CSU Graduate Admissions application and the $70 nonrefundable application fee, during the appropriate filing period.
San Diego State University is only accepting applications for a second bachelor’s degree in nursing. To be eligible for admission to the second bachelor’s degree in nursing, students must meet the following minimum CSU eligibility requirements and SDSU requirements.
Second bachelor’s degree in nursing students are accepted as unclassified post-baccalaureate which means they are subject to graduate fees. Credit earned while a second bachelor’s candidate may not be applied toward an advanced degree at a later date. Candidates for a second bachelor’s degree are ineligible to enroll in 600-, 700-, 800-, and 900-numbered courses.
To receive a second bachelor’s degree in nursing, the student must complete a minimum of 30 post-baccalaureate units in residence at SDSU, of which at least 15 units must be upper division courses in the nursing major (numbered 300-599). Students must fulfill all current preparation for major and major requirements. In addition they must meet the following GPA requirements:
Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing have the following requirements either deemed complete or waived based on their first baccalaureate degree from a college/university accredited by a regional accrediting association:
Students seeking a second bachelor’s degree in nursing are subject to the undergraduate policies and procedures governing deadlines, academic probation and disqualification, catalog rights, continuous enrollment, distinction in their major for graduation, and course repeat policies. They are not eligible for course forgiveness or graduation with honors. They are not eligible to declare an additional minor, major, or to change their major from the initial second bachelor’s degree program.
The second bachelor’s degree in nursing is not granted automatically. Students must take the initiative to apply for graduation using the undergraduate graduation application. See Graduation Requirements - Application for Graduation for additional information.
A student desiring to work on a second master’s or doctoral degree must petition the Graduate Council for permission to enter a curriculum leading to the second degree. Students must reapply to the university if they have completed a master’s or doctoral degree if they choose to pursue a second degree program.
Fully matriculated students enrolled at any CSU campus have access to courses at other CSU campuses on a space available basis unless those campuses/programs are impacted. This access is offered without students being required to be admitted formally to the host campus and in most cases without paying additional fees.
Students should consult their home campus academic advisors to determine how such courses may apply to their specific degree programs before enrolling at the host campus.
There are two programs for enrollment within the CSU and one for enrollment between CSU and the University of California or California Community Colleges. Additional information about these programs is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Matriculated students in good standing may request enrollment in one course per term, offered by a CSU host campus. Enrollment requests will be granted based on available space, as well as completion of any stated prerequisites. Credit earned at the host campus is electronically reported to the student’s home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.
Matriculated students in good standing enrolled at one CSU campus may enroll at another CSU campus for one term. Credit earned at the host campus is reported at the student’s request to the home campus to be included on the student’s transcript at the home campus.
Matriculated CSU, UC, or community college students may enroll on a “space available” basis for one course per term at another CSU, UC, or community college and request that a transcript of record be sent to the home campus.
Students attending SDSU Imperial Valley or SDSU Global Campus who plan to transfer to the SDSU main campus must fill out a transfer request form. Currently, the SDSU main campus is impacted, which requires applicants to meet selective admissions criteria above the minimum established by the California State University.
The CSU designates programs as impacted when more applications from regularly eligible applicants are received in the initial filing period (October and November) than can be accommodated. All majors at San Diego State University are impacted. Students who are admitted to SDSU are placed in a premajor (including undeclared).
All premajors must meet department-specific criteria to move from the premajor to the major, such as a specified minimum grade point average, completion of prerequisite courses, tests, and completion of a certain number of units.
Criteria are described in the “Summary of Curricula Offered ” section of this catalog or you may contact the major department for information.
The CSU will announce during the fall filing period the supplementary criteria campuses will use for impacted programs. Detailed information on campus and program impaction is available on the Impaction at the CSU website. For further information visit https://admissions.sdsu.edu/impacted-majors.
Applicants must file applications for admission to an impacted program during the initial filing period. Applicants who wish to be considered in impacted programs at more than one campus should file an application at each campus for which they seek admission consideration.
The CSU requires that all entering freshmen students be evaluated in terms of their preparation to complete first-year courses in written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning. This evaluation will utilize the broadest set of multiple measures including high school grades as well as performance scores on standardized examinations such as the ACT or SAT (if available). This evaluation of academic readiness is not a condition for admission to the CSU, but it is an important step for determining the best course placement for entering students.
Successful completion of general education (GE) written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses in the first year of CSU enrollment establishes a foundation for continuous learning. Unless the requirements have been completed, freshmen shall enroll in GE written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning courses appropriate to each student’s major and skill level, as demonstrated by applicable systemwide standards utilized in the review of academic preparation.
Students whose skill assessments indicate academic support will be needed for successful completion of GE in written communication or mathematics/quantitative courses shall enroll in appropriate college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing courses that strengthen skills development to facilitate achieving the appropriate general education student learning outcomes. Supportive course models may include, among others, co-requisite approaches, supplemental instruction or “stretch” formats that extend a course beyond one academic term. In these approaches, instructional content considered pre-baccalaureate may carry a maximum of one unit and shall be offered concurrently with a college-level, baccalaureate credit-bearing course.
Freshman skills assessment and placement for general education written communication and mathematics/quantitative reasoning shall be based on systemwide skills assessment standards that include the Early Assessment Program/Smarter Balanced Achievement Levels, ACT scores and/or SAT scores (if available), high school coursework, high school GPA and mathematics GPA. Skills assessments are not a condition for admission to the CSU; they are a condition of enrollment.
These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs. First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses.
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test
International Baccalaureate (IB) Test
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Transfer Coursework
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the criteria below:
English CAASPP/EAP Test
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
English ACT Test
High School Courses and GPA
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the criteria below:
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Test
ACT Test
High School Courses and GPA
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support and will be placed in a supported course.
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test
International Baccalaureate (IB) Test
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Transfer Coursework
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the following criteria:
CAASPP/EAP Mathematics Examination
SAT Mathematics Test*
ACT Mathematics Test
High School Courses and GPA
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the criteria below:
High School GPA
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support and will be placed in a supported course.
The student has met the requirement via completion of one of the following:
Advanced Placement (AP) Test
International Baccalaureate (IB) Test
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Transfer Coursework
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via one of the criteria below:
CAASPP/EAP Mathematics Examination
SAT Mathematics Test
ACT Mathematics Test
High School Courses and GPA
The student has met examination standards and/or multiple measures-informed standards via the criteria below:
High School Mathematics GPA
Based on multiple measures evaluation, student needs additional academic support and will be placed in a supported course.
San Diego State University students register online through the my.SDSU. my.SDSU contains specific information on registration, courses offered for the term, and a listing of the fees required for enrollment. Payment of fees by itself does not constitute registration. A student is considered registered when at least one course has been added prior to the first day of classes.
Registration Restrictions.
Students enroll in classes each semester during the registration period. The registration period begins on your assigned date and time and ends on the schedule adjustment deadline. Students who have not paid fees or registered for at least one course prior to the first day of classes will be assessed a late registration fee of $50. Newly admitted students MAY be exempted from this fee. The deadline to register is on the 10th instructional day from the first day of classes in the fall and spring semesters. Summer deadlines will vary by session. Consult the Academic Calendar at https://registrar.sdsu.edu/calendars/academic_calendars for specific dates.
During initial registration, undergraduate students can enroll in a maximum of 18 units. One week before the start of each fall and spring semester, the credit limit is raised to 21 credits. All undergraduates wishing to register for more than 21 credits will be required to have the approval of the academic department that houses their first major, or a delegated advisor, Assistant Dean or department designee.
Students may enroll in no more than 18 units in total during summer. Students will be permitted to enroll in no more than 9 units in each Summer Session (S1 and S2), and up to 18 units in the 13-week session T1 (if they are not taking classes during Sessions 1 and 2). Any exceptions to these maximums will require approval by an academic advisor and administrator in Enrollment Services.
Enrollment in some courses is restricted to students in specific majors and/or students at specific levels (i.e., freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate). Major and student level restrictions are listed in the Class Schedule.
SDSU students are not permitted to enroll in courses with overlapping meeting times. Neither consent of the instructor nor the consent of the department can override this policy. Similarly, students cannot enroll in more than one section of a course that does not allow multiple course section enrollment.
Students entering SDSU as freshmen are required to complete coursework in composition, mathematics, oral communication, and critical thinking in a specific order. For more information, refer to the Major Academic Plan (MAP) at http://www.sdsu.edu/mymap.
The schedule adjustment period begins when a student first registers on their assigned day and time and runs through the schedule adjustment deadline. Summer deadlines will vary by session. Consult the Academic Calendar for specific dates. During this period, students are responsible for checking their schedules regularly and for taking the necessary actions to add, drop, or change grading options before the schedule adjustment deadline. Students who do not attend a class and who do not ensure that the course is officially dropped in my.SDSU, will receive a failing grade.
Students are not permitted to drop or add a class after the stated deadlines, except in cases such as accident or serious illness where the cause of dropping the class is due to circumstances clearly beyond the student’s control and the assignment of an Incomplete is not applicable. All such requests must be accompanied by appropriate verification.
Administrative Drop. Students who do not attend the first class session of a course and who are not present at the start of the second meeting may be administratively dropped from that course within the first eight class days of the semester. Students who do not meet the prerequisite requirements can also be dropped within the first eight class days of the semester. Any student dropped by the instructor during this period will be notified at their SDSU e-mail of the action. Not all instructors will drop students who miss the first class session or for lack of prerequisites. Students are responsible for all classes on their schedules and should check their schedules regularly to ensure accuracy.
Waitlist. Students are able to waitlist a class when it has reached capacity. The waitlist option is effective when registration begins for each semester. Students will be ranked on the waitlist on a first-come, first-serve basis. If a spot becomes available, students will be automatically enrolled to a class on their waitlist provided that they are not enrolled in another section of the same course and the waitlisted course does not create a time conflict in their schedule. An e-mail will be sent to the student’s SDSU e-mail regarding any enrollments from the waitlist. Students are responsible for removing unwanted courses from their waitlist before the schedule adjustment deadline. More information about the wait list is available at www.sdsu.edu/waitlist.
Improper Registration in Graduate Courses. Undergraduate students who have not received permission for concurrent enrollment may not enroll in 600 or higher-numbered courses for any purpose without prior permission of the graduate dean. Undergraduate students who enroll in advanced courses without permission are subject to administrative disenrollment. The registration for graduate students who have not met the stated prerequisites for Course 799A, Thesis, at the time of registration may be canceled.
University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student should pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120-68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900-41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University’s Office of General Counsel website.
Each campus’s Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that campus’s new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student’s Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified a nonresident.
Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2022 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2022, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2021.
Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the RDD.
Documents must include the student’s name, the student’s California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. For students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.
Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California.
A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (see list). If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions.
Nonimmigrant Statuses and Other Categories that are Eligible to Establish California Residency for Tuition Purposes
The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals in certain nonimmigrant statuses to establish permanent residency in the United States. Therefore, they are entitled to establish California residency for tuition purposes. For a complete list of eligible visas and other eligible categories, review the Nonimmigrant list Students must hold an eligible visa status at least one year before the Residence Determination Date to be eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes.
Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.
Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the campus Admissions Office.
Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906-41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the campus nor the Chancellor’s Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal adviser.
Residency determination dates are set each term.
Semester Term Campuses
Fall: September 20
Spring: January 25
Summer: June 1
CalState TEACH operates on a trimester system. The residency determination dates for CalState TEACH are as follows:
Fall: September 20
Spring: January 5
Summer: June 1
A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5. To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the campus admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.
41905.5. Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement
A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final campus decision within 30 days of notification by the campus. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:
Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes Website.
Appeals via e-mail, fax, and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the CSU website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Managementat residencyappeals@calstate.edu.
The Chancellor’s Office will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the campus for further review.
A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to and payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.
Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.
San Diego State University advises prospective students that they must supply complete and accurate information on the application for admission, residence questionnaire, and financial aid forms. Further, applicants must, when requested, submit authentic and recently issued official transcripts (printed within the last year) of all previous academic work attempted. Official transcripts are defined as transcripts that bear the high school or college seal and remain in their original sealed envelope. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documents by specified deadlines may result in denial of admission, cancellation of registration or academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301, Article 1.1, Title 5, California Code of Regulations). This requirement is effective from initial contact with the university and throughout the period the academic record is maintained.
Applicants are required to include their correct social security numbers in designated places on applications for admission pursuant to the authority contained in Section 41201, Title 5, California Code of Regulations, and Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 6109). The university uses the social security number to identify students and their records including identification for purposes of financial aid eligibility and disbursement and the repayment of financial aid and other debts payable to the institution. Also, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires the university to file information returns that include the student’s social security number and other information such as the amount paid for qualified tuition, related expenses, and interest on educational loans. This information is used by the IRS to help determine whether a student, or a person claiming a student as a dependent, may take a credit or deduction to reduce federal income taxes.
Entering CSU students are required to present proof of the following immunizations to the CSU campus they will be attending before the beginning of their first term of enrollment.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR). Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease).
Hepatitis B (Hep B). All new students who will be 18 years of age or younger at the start of their first term at a CSU campus must provide proof of full immunization against Hepatitis B before enrolling. Full immunization against Hepatitis B consists of three timed doses of vaccine over a minimum 4 to 6 months period. If you need further details or have special circumstances, please consult Student Health Services at 619-594-5281 or visit http://shs.sdsu.edu.
Varicella (Chickenpox). Two (2) doses with first dose on or after 1st birthday; OR positive titer (laboratory evidence of immunity to disease) prior to enrollment.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap). One (1) dose after age 7. Meningococcal conjugate (Serogroups A, C, Y, & W-135): One (1) dose on or after 16 for all students and age 21 or younger.
Tuberculosis Screening/Risk Assessment. All incoming students must complete a Tuberculosis risk questionnaire. Incoming students who are at higher risk* for TB infection, as indicated by answering “yes” to any of the screening questions, should undergo either skin or blood testing for TB infection within one year of CSU entry.
*Higher risk includes travel or living in Africa, South or Central America, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the MiddleEast; prior positive TB test; or exposure to someone with active TB disease.
The above are not admission requirements, but are required of students as conditions of enrollment in CSU.
For more information about the immunization requirements at SDSU, refer to http://www.sdsu.edu/immunizations.
Undergraduate students may request to have one or more courses held out of the undergraduate academic record (not fulfill any undergraduate degree requirements) to be potentially applied toward a graduate degree. Concurrent graduate credit is available for courses taken in the same term that the bachelor’s degree is earned. Concurrent credit cannot be granted retroactively after the bachelor’s degree is earned.
To request concurrent graduate credit, senior undergraduate students must submit a petition to the Office of the Registrar and meet the following criteria:
Requests and questions to this process and the eligibility criteria will be evaluated by the Office of the Registrar and Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.
Undergraduate students may petition for post-baccalaureate credit in credentials that are coordinated through the College of Education, such as California teaching credentials and service credentials. Applicable to the “Fifth Year” Credential Requirement only, post-baccalaureate credit may be earned during the final semester or summer term by seniors admitted to the College of Education who meet all the following qualifications:
Extension courses are not acceptable for post-baccalaureate credit. Post-baccalaureate credit will not be granted retroactively.
Petition forms are available in the Office of the Registrar, Student Services West, Room 1551.